Winford 'Kank' Johnson

HAMPTON — Winford (Kank) Johnson embraced eternal rest on March 10, 2005. He was a native of New Kent County, Va., and was born on Nov. 22, 1931, to Wilmore and Mary Johnson.

Kank, as he was known to all who knew and loved him, attended Huntington High School where he played football and basketball for Championship teams.

He was drafted to the Birmingham Black Barons National Negro League Baseball team. He had the distinction of having "struck out" Willie Mays.

Kank served his country in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged. Following his military career, he attended Norfolk State College.

He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 53 years, Melane Johnson; two daughters, Calista Johnson and Cheryl (Jessie) Tucker; one son, Carlos (Sandy) Johnson; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a brother, Lawrence (Anne) Johnson; and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.